HC-4

• Origin and Nickname: Helicopter Combat Support Squadron FOUR (HC-4) was established on July 1, 1983, at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, and was famously known as the "Black Stallions" due to its distinctive insignia and call sign. • Unique Aircraft: HC-4 operated the massive Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters, the largest and heaviest helicopters in the U.S. military at the time, capable of lifting 16 tons of cargo. • First on the Scene: In 1986, HC-4 was the first U.S. Navy unit to fly the CH-53E aircraft in Europe and the Mediterranean, providing a significant increase in heavy-lift capability to the region. • Desert Storm Support: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, HC-4 played a critical logistics role, moving personnel, equipment, and supplies throughout the Mediterranean and to the Arabian Gulf. • Humanitarian Missions: HC-4 was instrumental in humanitarian relief efforts, including disaster response in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope (1992-1993) and earthquake relief in southern Italy. • Long-Range Operations: The squadron set records for the longest over-water helicopter flights conducted by the U.S. Navy, including a 1,100 nautical mile mission from Sicily to Israel. • Special Operations Support: HC-4 frequently supported U.S. and allied special operations forces in the Mediterranean, Balkans, and Middle East, providing unique insertion and extraction capabilities. • VIP Transport: The Black Stallions were often tasked with transporting high-ranking military and government officials, including U.S. Presidents and foreign dignitaries, due to their reliability and range. • Multinational Exercises: HC-4 participated in numerous NATO and joint exercises, enhancing coalition interoperability and building international partnerships. • Deactivation and Legacy: HC-4 was deactivated on September 28, 2005, after 22 years of service. Its legacy continues, with many of its personnel and aircraft transferred to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO (HSC-2).